Looking for a Canon rangefinder 35mm f/1.8 lens

March 25, 2005 11:14 AM

Does anyone know where I can find a '50s-era Canon 35mm f/1.8 or the later f/2 rangefinder lens in good to excellent condition?
posted by Il Furioso to shopping (11 comments total)

eBay, baby!
posted by fandango_matt at 11:26 AM on March 25, 2005

Failing that, I'd look through the ads in Shutterbug Magazine. Lenses are an item I prefer to inspect before I buy, but I bought a new lens on eBay and I've had no problems.
posted by fandango_matt at 11:39 AM on March 25, 2005

The eBay culture of people selling photographic equipment appears to be very thorough and conscientious. All of the camera bodies, lenses, and light meters I have bought from eBay have been very fully described in the listings, and when arrived have been exactly as described.

You might also look for a users group of the particular model line of 1950s Canon you need a lens for.
posted by matildaben at 11:55 AM on March 25, 2005

This is a rare enough lens and has not been listed on ebay recently. I'm wondering if anyone happens to know offhand of a Canon Serenar 35/1.8 sitting unused in someone's drawer or shop window.
posted by Il Furioso at 12:20 PM on March 25, 2005

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30039&item=7501898976&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
posted by fandango_matt at 12:25 PM on March 25, 2005

Whoops, that's a 50mm. Sorry!
posted by fandango_matt at 12:30 PM on March 25, 2005

B&H Photo has a good stock of new and used equipment. They've been very reliable.

You may also want to try Helix Camera & Video. New and used equipment as well as rentals.
posted by horsewithnoname at 12:43 PM on March 25, 2005

Try KEH Camera especially their used Canon Manual Focus cameras and used Canon Auto Focus cameras.
posted by plemeljr at 1:24 PM on March 25, 2005

Keep an eye on here. (none at the moment, but have been in the past).
posted by spock at 10:19 PM on March 26, 2005

Thanks for all the feedback. I've done some more research and decided upon the Canon Serenar 35mm f/2.8--an older lens that might render the vintage look I'm after better than the f/1.8, whose design came almost a decade later.

I was able to find two of these lenses in good shape from manfredschmidt.com--a great place to look for antique and collectible cameras, as well as accessories.
posted by Il Furioso at 10:53 AM on March 28, 2005

I should add a link to Manfred Schmidt, a superlative place to get antique and collectible cameras and lenses, and a very nice man.
posted by Il Furioso at 5:09 PM on March 28, 2005